I came across this quote from Calvin Coolidge* several years ago when I first faced the challenge of running my own business. I turn to it often as a reminder that talent and education, while important, do not guarantee success. You need to work hard to make things happen.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not;
nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not;
unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full
of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent."

I've discovered Coolidge had a lot of great things to say, despite his nickname, "Silent Cal." Here are a few more quotes to motivate you to get up, shake the dust off your ideas, and do something to achieve your goals today.

"All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work."

"If I had permitted my failures, or what seemed to me at the time a lack of success, to discourage me I cannot see any way in which I would ever have made progress."

"I have found it advisable not to give too much heed to what people say when I am trying to accomplish something of consequence. Invariably they proclaim it can't be done. I deem that the very best time to make the effort."

"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."

* John Calvin Coolidge, Jr. was the 30th President of the United States from 1923 to 1929.